What is a photoconductor unit in a printer?

The photoconductor is often called the 'drum' and it's the component that works with the laser to physically build the image ready to place it on the paper. This then transfers the toner in the right patterns to build what you want on page. You cannot use a 'photoconductor' in place of a toner, the printer requires both to be present, but the photoconductors tend to last much longer than the toner cartridge. If you are low on toner, you need to buy toner